1

Trainee Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Production Management Trainee, Burlington, IA Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

IA · On-site

Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee in Fort Dodge, IA Join ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

IA · On-site

Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee in Fort Madison, IA Join ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

IA · On-site

Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee in Fort Madison, IA Join ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

IA · On-site

Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee in Fort Madison, IA Join ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

Support the Store Manager by mentoring trainee associates, achieving sales targets, and driving business growth. * Support management of inventory levels, processing shipments, handling damages and ...

Sales Consultant Trainee

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$8.76 - $20/hr

Position Overview As a Sales Consultant Trainee, you will be the foundation of an iconic, customer ... We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ...

Position Overview As a Sales Consultant Trainee, you will be the foundation of an iconic, customer ... We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ...

Position Overview As a Sales Consultant Trainee, you will be the foundation of an iconic, customer ... We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ...

Support the Store Manager by mentoring trainee associates, achieving sales targets, and driving business growth. * Support management of inventory levels, processing shipments, handling damages and ...

Support the Store Manager by mentoring trainee associates, achieving sales targets, and driving business growth. * Support management of inventory levels, processing shipments, handling damages and ...

Support the Store Manager by mentoring trainee associates, achieving sales targets, and driving business growth. * Support management of inventory levels, processing shipments, handling damages and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Trainee Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do trainee associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee associate in Iowa is $18.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a trainee associate a paid job?

A trainee associate position is typically a paid role that provides on-the-job training and skill development. Compensation often includes a salary or stipend, and the job may require working a set schedule while gaining practical experience in the field.

What can a new trainee associate expect in terms of mentorship and training during their initial months?

As a Trainee Associate, you can expect a structured onboarding process that typically includes mentorship from experienced team members, regular feedback sessions, and hands-on training. Most organizations pair trainees with a supervisor or mentor who guides them through daily tasks, helps set goals, and provides support as you learn the company's processes. You'll likely participate in team meetings, shadow experienced associates, and gradually take on more responsibilities as you gain confidence. This supportive environment is designed to help you quickly adapt, build your skills, and prepare for future advancement within the company.

What is the difference between Trainee Associate vs Junior Associate?

AspectTrainee AssociateJunior Associate
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant education or certificationsOften holds a degree or certification, with some work experience
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised, learning phaseMore independent, performing routine tasks with guidance
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in finance, consulting, law firms during onboardingEntry-level role in similar industries, post-training

The main difference is that a Trainee Associate is in a learning or training phase, often with supervision, while a Junior Associate has completed initial training and takes on more independent responsibilities. The transition from Trainee Associate to Junior Associate marks progress in skills and experience within the same industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Associate, you generally need a relevant academic background, strong analytical abilities, and attention to detail. Familiarity with office productivity software, basic data analysis tools, or industry-specific platforms is often required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn set standout candidates apart. These competencies enable Trainee Associates to effectively support their teams, rapidly acquire new skills, and contribute to organizational goals.

What is a trainee associate?

A Trainee Associate is an entry-level employee who is typically undergoing training to learn the skills and responsibilities required for their role within a company. This position is common in various industries, including finance, consulting, law, and retail. Trainee Associates usually work under the supervision of senior staff, participating in structured training programs, on-the-job learning, and mentorship. The goal is to develop their abilities and prepare them for more advanced positions within the organization. Upon successful completion of the training period, Trainee Associates may be promoted to full associate or equivalent roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Trainee jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Trainee jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Trainee Associate jobs in Iowa? For Trainee Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Associate jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Trainee Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Trainee Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Trainee Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,161 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Production Management Trainee

Silgan

Burlington, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Silgan Holdings rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Production Management Trainee, Burlington, IA
Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee. Join Silgan's Production Management Development Program at our Burlington, IA plant and gain the skills and experience you need to excel in operations management at one of the largest metal food container manufacturing companies in the food packaging industry.
This program offers comprehensive technical training to prepare you for key roles in production management, ensuring you have a strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, machinery, plant operations, and supervisory roles.
Why Silgan:
  • Excellent pay with annual merit increases.

  • Career growth with continuing education and opportunities for advancement into key positions like operations supervisory roles, manufacturing management positions, and plant management.

  • A stable and reliable company that prioritizes sustainability and cares about the health of the environment and its employees.

  • A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and 401k retirement savings with a company match.

  • Paid time off and paid holidays.

  • Additional benefits include pet insurance, telemedicine, and health programs for weight loss, diabetes, hypertension management, and more.

  • Multiple plant locations across the US offer flexibility and opportunities to grow your career in different regions at union and nonunion plants.

What You Will Do as a Production Management Trainee:
  • Build your skills through our structured training program, which runs for approximately eight to ten months and develops your expertise in supervising production, managing daily production processes, and working with a range of machinery in union and nonunion plants.

  • Assist plant management with daily plant operations, including staff supervision, production planning, and equipment management.

  • Apply statistical process methods and gain experience using basic quality tools like diagrams, flow charts, run charts, and control charts to optimize production.

  • Manage production throughput, ensuring efficient use of equipment and materials while adhering to safety procedures.

  • Enforce standard operating procedures and assist with training and developing plant staff.

  • Oversee teams in various locations, administering labor contracts and fostering positive workplace relations.

What You Bring:
  • High school diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.

  • Two or more years of experience in manufacturing or production operations, including setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance of machinery and equipment.

  • One or more years of supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment, with a track record of improving team performance and meeting production goals.

  • Strong mechanical aptitude, technical problem-solving ability, and commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency.

  • Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills, with the ability to coach and motivate production teams.

  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment, multitasking while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

Who We Are:
  • Silgan Containers is the largest subsidiary of Silgan Holdings and America's foremost metal food packaging producer.

  • We are rethinking how to make the metal food can through increased recycled content, modern process overhauls, renewable energy procurement, and other innovative practices.

Apply now to launch your manufacturing career with one of the largest producers of metal food containers in the United States!
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.
Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.
Silgan is a drug-free workplace.

What Silgan Holdings employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom